By Julia Train
Let someone else take care of bedtime for the night. It’s time for a mom’s night out, sipping and shopping.
In 2017, Morgan Orlowski was 36 weeks pregnant with her first child and feeling lost and confused about motherhood.
She wound up creating a private Facebook group for South Jersey moms who felt the same way to connect.
The page, which she called “Moti- vated Mommies,” started with about 10 members and has grown exponentially since, reaching over 4000.
In November 2023, the group hosted a “Sip & Shop” event at Linwood Country Club; over 500 people attended and over 40 vendors, with 25 on a waitlist.
“We walked into that event not knowing how many people were going to come,” Orlowski said.
Because of the overwhelming turnout and demand, Orlowski and those helping to plan knew they needed a bigger venue. So, they landed on Seaview Golf Club in Galloway for the second Mom’s Night Out.
There will be over 50 local, woman-owned businesses that create jewelry, accessories, apparel, treats and much more.
Included in the evening is a chance to win dozens of prizes, a cash bar and an unlimited soup and salad bar by Seaview.
“We’re trying to make the event successful for not just the vendors but for all of the attendees too and taking what we learned from the first one and making this even better,” said Orlowski.
A lot of the people from the last “Sip & Shop” mentioned that they wished there was food so Orlowski worked with the golf club to create a food option to go along with the wine.
“We’re learning as we’re going,” she said.
The group will also be donating a portion of what came in from the first “Sip & Shop” to The Nor’Easter Nick Rainy Day Project, which will give $100 ShopRite gift cards to families in need.
Orlowski came into contact with Nor’Easter Nick, or Nick Pittman, because his husband’s sister is the Motivated Mommies events coordinator.
She said Pittman understands the group’s mission and has similar clientele.
“He’s been really instrumental in helping us get the word out about our events,” said Orlowski.
In addition to Pittman’s company, Norcast weather, the event is sponsored by Storybook Land, Bright Stars Academy, Seaview Golf Club, Jule D Photography, By Mia & Co, Stemtations Floral Studio and B&G Event Rentals.
Orlowski made sure to express her gratitude for all those who’ve helped along the way, including the mommies in the group and the five other women who helped plan the event, Brittany, Kim, Elizabeth, Susanna and Jenna.
“A lot of these women who are helping me are just helping out of the kindness of their heart
… They’re all fantastic women,” said Orlowski.
The free “Sip & Shop” will be Thursday, April 25, 5-9 p.m. at Seaview Golf Club and is open to all women, not just moms.
Find more information about the event or the group, visit: motivatedmommiesnj.com
